`

Monday, May 8, 2017

PAS: Mustafa wished to give way for new leaders, not sidelined

PAS has clarified that it has not sidelined its former elections director Mustafa Ali, but have left him out of the new leadership line-up in accordance to his own request.

The party’s deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man reportedly said that Mustafa had met PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to express his wishes prior to the party election.

“Cikgu Pa asked to give way to new talent if possible, because he has served for a long time, and in his view, it is about time of successors to rise through the ranks. He is also prepared to be an advisor and mentor to the party in the coming general election.

“The suggestion was well-received by the president, and we have set up a committee to advise the president,” Sinar Harian quoted Tuan Ibrahim as saying.

The statement contradicts Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar’s claim that Mustafa is inclined towards Pakatan Harapan and this led to his removal from the long-held position.

Mustafa’s last post prior to the PAS Muktamar at Kota Sarang Semut, Alor Setar late-April, was election director, which is a key post within the party as the general election looms.

When the new leadership line-up was announced on May 6, however, Mustafa was left out of the line-up. Instead, his place was taken by Hadi’s political secretary Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim said former Selangor PAS commissioner Iskandar Abdul Samad has been given a heavier responsibility as PAS’ Central and Southern Zone coordinator.

“He now has bigger responsibilities since he has to look after Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, and Johor, especially when it comes to facing the 14th general election.

“We did these changes in Johor and Terengganu too, so the issue of sacking does not arise,” he was quoted as saying.- Mkini